A young man with a big heart set on saving addicts
By Mahdiyeh Qazvinian
Staff writer
Homelessness is not just a problem limited to Iran; it has become a global issue. Furthermore, it is not restricted to a specific group such as addicts, criminals, or alcoholics. Sometimes, individuals find themselves sleeping on the streets due to reasons like financial bankruptcy or women facing circumstances like divorce and lack of housing. However, the highest incidence of homelessness is observed among drug addicts. In response to this, individuals of significant stature, both men and women, have established institutions that play a crucial role in reintegrating these individuals into society. Saeed Maleki, born in 1988 in the southern part of Tehran, is one such individual. As a coach at a bodybuilding club, Maleki’s altruistic nature has guided him towards helping addicts find salvation.
His story begins in 2020 when, after several years of wandering in Turkey and Georgia, he returned to Iran and reunited with his old friend Mohsen Eftekharian, who operates a detox camp near Tehran.
Saeed says, “At Mohsen’s suggestion, recognizing my spirit, we began assisting homeless addicts. Despite our financial limitations, we embarked on this path. I used to be afraid to enter the camp, and even if an addict got into my car before, I would be scared. But now, I fearlessly roam the streets, searching for the homeless, and with determination, I approach them and personally escort them to the camp. Although I have faced numerous threats, I have persisted.”
One of his primary goals was to create an environment where these individuals could find employment after overcoming addiction, maintain their sobriety, and actively participate in work and society, just like any other member.
“The selfless support of people has been instrumental in my mission, from the sandwich vendor who messaged me, stating their need for workers, to various production workshops. I aspire to continue my work on an international scale, and as long as I am alive, I will remain committed to this path.”
Covering the Costs
Eftekharian and I cover the expenses through advertising on our Instagram page and the support of people who see us and contribute. For each 21-day treatment cycle for an addict, we allocate a minimum of $120 for food and approximately $420 for dental expenses. Volunteer doctors and psychologists collaborate with us, and fortunately, they do not charge us. Additionally, the country’s State Welfare Organization sends psychologists to the camp on a weekly basis and provides individual sessions with patients daily.
The Young and the Rescued
Negar, a 34-year-old woman who has been residing in the women’s addiction treatment camp for 5 months, shares her story.
“One night in a western neighborhood of Tehran, while wrapping myself in a makeshift blanket to ward off the cold, I collapsed in a corner of the street, on the brink of death. Suddenly, in the depths of despair, I saw a young man standing above me; he offered assistance and brought me to the women’s addiction treatment camp in the neighborhood. It has been 5 months since I became clean, and I even earn a living within the camp. I have no desire to leave this place.”
“I was disconnected from my family for four years and had become homeless. The day Saeed took me from the outskirts of Tehran to the camp, I expressed my wish to see my family again. On the day I achieved sobriety, he surprised me. That day, I held my son in my arms,” remembers Khalil, who has successfully overcome addiction.
With Saeed’s help, Khalil strives to rescue addicts and prevent them from being consumed by this abyss.
“I can never forget Ahmad. I encountered him near the camp office, and when he saw me, he burst into tears. I embraced him and promised to help. Although he escaped from the camp numerous times, I managed to bring him back. Today, he is 26 years old, employed at a company, and on the verge of marriage,” Maleki shares.
“I believe one of the main reasons young people are drawn to drugs is the absence of family bonds. During adolescence, I felt inferior to everyone and wished to mature quickly. I thought smoking would make me appear older,” Ahmad says.
“An addict is not lowly; they are victims of their own ignorance.”